Ghana international Samuel Inkoom says playing alongside Africa’s most decorated player of all time, Samuel Eto'o will spur him to deliver at his new Turkish club, Antalyaspor.

On January 6, Inkoom completed a 3-year move to the Turkish side after a year’s stint with Portuguese outfit Boavista. The move was made possible through the instrumentality of Eto'o, who has also played the role of interim manager at the club based in Antalya.

“I’m very happy to play with Samuel Eto'o. Everybody knows how incredible he has been over the years in football. Playing with him is a great achievement for me.”

“I think the most important thing for me to do is to stay mentally strong, stay focused, pray hard and also do my best.  I believe in God and know that everything will go well,” he told Joy Sports in an exclusive interview. Antalyaspor is currently 11th on the log sheet in the Turkish top flight and has two winners titles from the second tier (2 Lig).

The 26-year-old right back says he is also open to a return to the senior team of Ghana the Black Stars. “I can never turn my back on my nation. I look forward to performing at the highest level here to help the club. If the coach sees my efforts and feels that he needs my services, I will be glad to serve. We all want to help our nation so if the coach thinks I’m performing to his requirements and invites me I will oblige,” he said.

Inkoom is a two-time World Cup star having played in the 2010 edition and included in the Brazil 2014 squad and has earned 46 caps for the Black Stars.

He is a member of the 2009 Black Satellites team of Ghana who won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and the African Youth Championship.

Inkoom moved to Bastia in the French Ligue 1 in early 2013 and made a six-month loan switch to Greek side Platanias in January 2014.

Nine months after that, the former Asante Kotoko player, signed with D.C. United in the Major League Soccer on a free transfer with undisclosed personal terms.  

On December 8, 2014, Inkoom was traded to Houston Dynamo along with Joe Willis, in exchange for Andrew Driver and one more player. The Ghanaian right back, did not sign for the club and went in search of more opportunities in the summer of 2015 where he joined Portuguese Primera Liga side Boavista in a three-year deal.

His best and most consistent run of performances in Europe was with FC Basel where he won the Swiss Super League title played regularly in the clubs appearances in UEFA Champions League and Europa League competitions.

According to Inkoom the delays in the arrival of his International Transfer Certificates (ITC) in the Bastia and DC United deals cost him a lot of playing time. “This time I hope that everything will go well and I am ready to give my best to help Antalyaspor,” he added.

Below: Inkoom hangs out with team mate Lokman Gor in the clubs dressing room

Below: Selfie time!  Inkoom and team mate Ramon Motta do it for the camera.

Below:  Inkoom gets busy at training. 

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